I originally sent an application in November through a 3rd party title/loan/license place. I had used them in the past and they take the picture for you to make sure it's the right size, so I figured it was an easy way to do it.

I read in the Chicago Tribune online that the ISP was caught up with the back logged FOID applications as of December so I figured I'd be getting my card soon. I sent a status request and they said they haven't received my application yet. Since I did it through a 3rd party, I didn't have a number stamped on a check to give the ISP to track my application.

I decided to go ahead and send another application using a personal check this time since they say they don't have my original application. Then at least when they cash my check, I'll have something to reference.

Then I got to thinking, if they "find" my original app (or more to the point, they catch up for real) am I going to get two cards, or is sending two applications going to invalidate one of them? As long as I get one card by the time my tax return money comes in, I'll be a happy camper! If I get two, at least I won't have to go through this again if I lose my card somehow.

The mailman picked up my second application on Tuesday and they had my check cashed by Friday. I'm not sure if the 3rd party application I sent in November was really lost or if it's in a pile somewhere, but they certainly opened this one quickly.

Hopefully that means I'll have a FOID in hand before my tax return comes in. Now that I have the number stamped on the check, at least I can actually check on the status.

I'm glad they are 10 years now instead of 5.. At least I won't have to do this again for awhile.